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A new small SUV champion has been named: the 2014 Subaru Forester. This redesigned model earned an impressive road-test score of 88 points (out of 100 possible), besting last-year's model by eight points and trouncing the previous leader, the Honda CR-V, by 11 points. Yeah, it's that good.

What makes the accomplishment even more impressive is that this popular category has seen most sales leaders introduce new models, such as the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4, or update existing ones, like the Mazda CX-5. Despite competition that won't rest, Subaru has stood out from the class. (Read our complete Subaru Forester road test.)

The Forester succeeds by focusing on the fundamentals with a space-efficient design, large windows, and big square doors. The result is the easiest access and the best view out of almost any vehicle we've recently tested. It also has one of the roomiest rear seats in the class, with copious amounts of head and leg room.

By adapting various fuel-efficient technologies, including replacing the antiquated four-speed automatic transmission with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Forester now delivers quicker acceleration, as well as a class-leading 26 mpg overall and 35 mpg on the highway in our tests.

We bought a Forester 2.5i Premium for testing, with a $26,814 sticker price. This proved to be a good value that included heated front seats, large sunroof, backup camera, and a power driver's seat. Because above-average reliability is anticipated based on our analysis, it is CR Recommended.

The final jewel in the Forester's crown is that it was the only small SUV out of 13 tested to earn a top score of Good in the new small overlap crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

If you're looking for a safe, practical, fuel-efficient small SUV, read our complete Subaru Forester road test and take one for a test drive.

It always amazes me how many people rely on Consumer Reports for car purchase advice. I guess far more people fall into the MPG and practicality camp than the fun-to-drive camp. As an auto enthusiast, i can't imagine relying on CR's opinion in purchasing a car. Car and Driver is my go to since my driving style, likes, and dislikes more closely matches theirs. For instance, CR seems to like the Forester's CVT transmission, whereas CaD loathes it's existence. In the latest comparison, CaD ranked the Forester last, behind the Rav4 and CX-5.

It always amazes me how many people rely on Consumer Reports for car purchase advice. I guess far more people fall into the MPG and practicality camp than the fun-to-drive camp. As an auto enthusiast, i can't imagine relying on CR's opinion in purchasing a car. Car and Driver is my go to since my driving style, likes, and dislikes more closely matches theirs. For instance, CR seems to like the Forester's CVT transmission, whereas CaD loathes it's existence. In the latest comparison, CaD ranked the Forester last, behind the Rav4 and CX-5.

so far, they are the only one to rank it behind the Rav4. I think Car and Driver was the magazine that recently wrote an entire article about how amazed they were after visiting Consumer Reports' testing facility. They found CR to be run by automotive enthusiasts.

It always amazes me how many people rely on Consumer Reports for car purchase advice. I guess far more people fall into the MPG and practicality camp than the fun-to-drive camp. As an auto enthusiast, i can't imagine relying on CR's opinion in purchasing a car. Car and Driver is my go to since my driving style, likes, and dislikes more closely matches theirs. For instance, CR seems to like the Forester's CVT transmission, whereas CaD loathes it's existence. In the latest comparison, CaD ranked the Forester last, behind the Rav4 and CX-5.

Well first, it is Consumer Reports, not Enthusiast Reports. CR considers all factors that appeal to masses (mpg, drivability, functionality, space). The Forester is an excellent all around vehicle for its intended market. CR appeals to the general public, which will help Subaru here. I won't disagree that the CX-5 offers a more spirited driving experience but there are other things to consider. The Forester offers better hwy MPG than the RAV4 (in both FWD and AWD configuration) and CX-5 in AWD configuration (the same as CX-5 FWD), more max cargo space than both, and if you want a more engaging experience, the Forester 2.5i can be equipped with a 6MT which the CX-5 only offers in the less powerful 2.0 FWD configuration and is not available in the RAV4. Plus the Forester is available with a more powerful engine option in the XT that the RAV4 and CX-5 don't have.

The CVT in the Forester operates fine and will fit the general public perfectly (I would prefer the 6 "gear" CVT instead of the low mode CVT). The CVT in the XT works well too. Some like it, some hate it, it's the facts of life.

The Forester is not perfect in any category but it offers a great all around package for the price.

so far, they are the only one to rank it behind the Rav4. I think Car and Driver was the magazine that recently wrote an entire article about how amazed they were after visiting Consumer Reports' testing facility. They found CR to be run by automotive enthusiasts.

That is where the second element of CR's rehabilitation comes in. The test-team members are gearheads now, and you can feel it. They look for more than just squeaks and poor plastic-interior-panel fit. Fisher explains, "We're not just looking at cars like pure appliances anymore. When we originally tested the Miata, our report was 'Small trunk. It's noisy, a lot of wind noise. You have to bend to get into it.' And there were a lot of nasty [reader] letters saying, 'You guys probably don't like sex because it's noisy. It's uncomfortable. It's awkward and sweaty.' We've come a really long way."

Good to hear CR has upped their game. I guess I'm just stuck with the old perception that reviewing washers, dryers, and blenders was more in their wheelhouse. Kinda like how a lot people still think Volvos are the safest on the road. Perceptions evolve a lot slower than reality.

On our premium the mpg gauge reads 30.6 avg which inludes slow back roads, highway, and stop and go from construction around here. I did the math when I filled up the tank and it actually came closer to 30.8, pretty close.

Overall I'm very happy with it. The cvt isn't bad either, it works well for this vehicle. I've gone off-road too and had no problems. I haven't tried mudding yet lol.

In a just-released freely-available (no subscription required) 2014 Forester review at http://news.consumerreports.org/cars...-forester.html, Consumer Reports is recommending that, in most cases, people would be better off buying a new 2014 Forester instead of a used Forester. One of their exceptions was for the case where you could wrangle a killer deal on a leftover new 2013 Forester (which I think is becoming very rare now), but that's still buying a new Forester from a Subaru dealer.

Their summary paragraph:

Quote:

For shoppers looking to hold on to a vehicle for many years, starting new with the most-efficient example is probably the smart, long-term investment. Get the 2014. For those who crave a Forester, but need to watch the budget closer and may not be looking for a decade-long traveling companion, the out-going Forester is still a good all-round small SUV and a solid choice.